Showdown looming over foster dogs in Shelby Township

11:57 PM,
Mar. 3, 2013

Kelley LaBonty, who is fostering seven dogs and owns four of her own, has been the target of complaints from at least one neighbor in her Forest Glen subdivision. She has been asked to remove the dogs that aren't hers. LaBonty said she's not running a dog rescue.

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In addition to her own four dogs, Kelley LaBonty is fostering seven dogs at her suburban Shelby Township home -- dogs that she says are ill and would be euthanized if taken to a shelter.

The presence of 11 dogs at one house led to complaints from at least one neighbor in the Forest Glen subdivision and now LaBonty is heading toward a showdown with township officials.

Earlier last month, township officials requested LaBonty -- who is president of the Detroit Animal Welfare Group, a foster-based rescue -- remove the dogs because a dog rescue is not a permitted use in her neighborhood. They also ...